Get ready for a tennis showdown that promises to be nothing short of electrifying! Corentin Moutet, the enigmatic Frenchman known for his flair and unpredictability, is set to face Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning World No. 1, in a highly anticipated third-round clash at the Australian Open on Friday. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Moutet isn’t just any player—he’s the master of the underarm serve, a move that has both dazzled and divided the tennis world. Will it be his secret weapon against the unstoppable Alcaraz? Let’s dive in.
When Corentin Moutet steps onto the court, you’re in for a spectacle. At 26, the left-handed Frenchman has built a reputation for his mercurial talent and unconventional style. This week at Melbourne Park, he’s already made waves with his signature underarm serve, a move he effortlessly pulled off at match point against Tristan Schoolkate in the first round. But is this tactic genius or gimmick? Moutet insists it’s all about strategy. “I do it when I think I can win the point,” he told ATPTour.com. “I’m here to win, not just to entertain.”
The underarm serve has long been a polarizing shot in tennis, with some players and fans viewing it as disrespectful. Yet, Moutet, who famously used it six times in a single match last June in Mallorca, stands firm. “It’s efficient, and it works,” he explains. “I’ve never done it to disrespect anyone. It’s saved me in tough spots, like against Daniil Medvedev in Washington last year.” But here’s where it gets controversial: As more players adopt this tactic, is it becoming a legitimate strategy or just a cheap trick? Let us know what you think in the comments!
Currently ranked No. 37 in the PIF ATP Rankings, Moutet is fresh off a career-best 2025 season, where he racked up 33 tour-level wins. His upcoming match against Alcaraz marks their first-ever Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting, and both players are stepping into uncharted territory. “I’ve never practiced with him or played against him, so it’s going to be a surprise for both of us,” Moutet admits. “I’m just focusing on bringing my game and staying healthy.”
And this is the part most people miss: Moutet isn’t just here to participate—he’s here to win. He’s already claimed victories against Top 10 players like Holger Rune and Taylor Fritz last season, but taking down Alcaraz, who’s on a quest to complete the Career Grand Slam, is a whole new challenge. “He’s one of the best, alongside Jannik Sinner,” Moutet says. “I’ve been eager to play against him to see where my game stands at the highest level.”
As the tennis world gears up for this thrilling matchup, one thing is certain: it’s going to be fun. With Moutet’s unpredictability and Alcaraz’s sheer dominance, fans are in for a treat. But the real question is: Can Moutet’s unconventional style disrupt Alcaraz’s relentless momentum? Share your predictions below—we’d love to hear your take!
